Part#1 2500 Dually Conversion

[Deleted member 995608]

2500 Dually Conversion w/ Pics

So far I've got a used factory dually rear end, OEM front axle extensions, (7) take off steel wheels and new U-bolts for mounting up the rear end. I'll pick up a used 07 dually bed this Sunday.



So far, including the purchase of (7) new tires, the conversion will cost less than $5500. Better than a truck payment!



I can tell the axle tubes on the dually axle are shorter than the 2500. I will post exact measurements next week.

 

[macdaddy]

Now thats what im talking about!!!!!!!!!!!!



Thats a mans rear end!!!!!!!!



Makes me feel GOOD just knowing that thing or one like it is working it's little heart out under my pick up



Mac

 

[MillerR]

I can tell the axle tubes on the dually axle are shorter than the 2500.

Although this may be true, I think a lot of people forget the fact that the dually "hub" is wider than that of a SRW axle... enough to make the overall width wider than the 2500. Think about it: If a 2500 axle was wider than a dually, then the dually wheels would fit on a 2500 axle, without rubbing the springs. Although I did not personally try this before I swapped in a dually axle, I'm pretty sure that's the case. Otherwise, there would be no need for "Dually Conversion Spacers". I would be interested in knowing the exact measurements of both the 2500 and the dually axle, measured from wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface. I'm pretty sure you will find the "Dually" axle is wider by ~3". Please let us know what your tape shows.



Otherwise; Good luck with your conversion. I am very happy with how mine has turned out. -Trey

 

[NavyDood]

I have pondered this over the past couple of years myself if I fell into a dually rear axle for a decent price. For me, I would use the Megacab fender flares for the bed. I prefer the looks of them. Just my personal opinion though.



The DRW axle tubes are narrower, but the overall axle width from rim mounting surface to rim mounting suface is 3" wider. All front axles are the same with the dually getting the front axle hub extensions.

 

[HCannon]

What about the hubs, are they different? If the tubes are shorter, where do you gain the 3" ? Always wondered about this, just never took time to find out. I have a C&C and a Dually. I like the C&C best because it is narrower and will go places easer. Another question, is the regular SW the same axle as the C&C? The C&C would have to have longer stud bolts.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I too wanted the 'mega' fenders but I found a cherry 07 dually take-off bed for $500, including tailgate.



I think the mega fenders are more than $500 each!



MillerR- Did you re-classify your truck with Department of Transportion?

 

[NavyDood]

I too wanted the 'mega' fenders but I found a cherry 07 dually take-off bed for $500, including tailgate.

Holy bajeezus. i would go that route too. :-laf

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Got wheels back from paint today and polished up the wheel simulators. Cleaned up well but probably will be the last time it ever happens:-laf



Ethan is Sac, . . . Thanks for the smokin' deal on the rims/wheel covers!

 

[NavyDood]

I'm envious.



dodgeparts has the mega fenders for $435 ea. And then you still have to get them painted. You got an awesome deal on the whole bed.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I just picked up (7) Bridgestone Duravis M700 tires for $1121. 14 mounted. I had intentions of buying the Firestone Transforce AT's again but couldn't pass these up for the price.



I"ve got everything I need except for paint, $500/700.



I'll have less than 5k once it's all completed.

 

[chipster]

axel tubes

I think if you take the dually hubs off the axel you`ll find the tubes are longer than the single wheel axel tubes. the part you`re looking at is the disc brake caliper mount that`s welded to the tubes. the axel tubes extend ALL the way through the wheel hub, to about 1" from where the drive axel bolts to the hub. I don`t see why you`re happy that you think the tubes are shorter. the dually axel is longer AND stronger than the single wheel axel. put it in and enjoy the added stability and safety while towing whatever it is that you tow!!!:-laf the C&C dually axel is shorter than the pick up dually axel. the C&C wheels only have to clear the springs, while the pick up wheels have to clear the wheel tubs in the pick up bed. found that out the hard way. LOL!!!

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Got more finished today, . . .



Patch hole from goose neck hitch in dually bed.



Remove SRW bed



Pull SRW axle out.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

More pics, . . . .

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Hours away from completion . . . .

 

[Deleted member 995608]

The DRW and SRW axles are the same animal but different lengths.



Tube length between the 4 bolt flange to where the tube is pressed into the pumkin housing-



DRW 18-3/16"

SRW 19-3/16"



Axle



DRW 40-1/4"

SRW 36-3/4"



Hub Face or Wheel Face



DRW 68-1/4"

SRW 71-1/2"



Rotor to Rotor (inside)



DRW 61-5/8"

SRW 63-3/4"



All measurement NAZI's can keep their opinion to themselves.



I know a lot of people have wondered about the above measurements so I took a little time this afternoon to help close the gap. I hope that it can be of help.

 

[domehead]

Looks like you are doing great job doing the swap.

 

[ROCKJEEP]

I'm watching this one.

 

[HOBrian]

I like the last pic! She looks to be very into "Daddy's" stuff. Cute.

 

[Allnew2Me]

Is the Dana 60 on a 2500 and a 3500 the same axle? Are those adaptors the only difference from the factory or is the 3500 60 different in some other way?

 

[Deleted member 995608]

These axles are from American Axle Mfg. Dodge hasn't used Dana's since 2001 or 2002, . . I believe.